
Drivers in Chattooga County continue to face car insurance rates that closely mirror Georgia’s already high statewide averages.

Drivers in Chattooga County continue to face car insurance rates that closely mirror Georgia’s already high statewide averages.

Twenty-nine students received their High School Equivalency diplomas this week through the Youth Success Academy at Georgia Northwestern Technical College.

The City of Summerville has taken another step toward adding a new family-friendly attraction by approving a contract for a splash pad at J.R. “Dick” Dowdy Park.
During a recent meeting, the Summerville City Council approved awarding the project to Gametime at a cost of approximately $399,948.80. City officials said the splash pad is expected to enhance recreational opportunities for local residents and visitors.
Summerville City Manager Jason Winters discussed the project with council members prior to the vote, noting that the splash pad represents a significant investment in community recreation. The facility is expected to provide a safe and enjoyable place for children and families to cool off during the summer months.
The addition of the splash pad is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to improve parks and recreational amenities. Once completed, the new attraction will become a centerpiece of Dowdy Park and is expected to serve residents for years to come.
City leaders expressed optimism about the project and its potential to enhance quality of life while providing another destination for families in the community.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, June 13, 2026:

A hot and mainly dry Saturday is expected across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, with temperatures climbing to around 92 degrees this afternoon. When humidity is factored in, heat index values could approach 99 degrees, making it feel significantly hotter during the peak afternoon hours.

A recently released audit of Chattooga County’s 2024 financial records identified deficiencies involving accounting procedures, procurement practices, internal controls, budgeting, and documentation. Major findings included more than $333,000 in ARPA-funded broadband project expenses that lacked sufficient supporting documentation, payments on road projects that exceeded approved bid amounts, missing procurement records, untimely bank reconciliations, and several departments exceeding approved budgets. Auditors also cited inadequate segregation of duties and training deficiencies. Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen said “We walked into this mess” when he took office and agreed with the audit findings and said corrective steps have already been implemented, including added accounting staff, stronger oversight, improved documentation requirements, better procurement procedures, regular budget reviews, and additional employee training. (See full story below).

After a stretch of dry weather, showers and thunderstorms are making a return to Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia today as a more active weather pattern settles across the region.

Nearly one out of every five residents in Chattooga County lives below the federal poverty line, giving the county one of the highest poverty rates in Northwest Georgia, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and regional economic reports.

The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is looking to add a full-time Animal Care and Field Services Technician to its staff and is currently accepting applications.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has expanded the agenda for the General Assembly’s upcoming special session, adding several items beyond the previously announced discussions on redistricting and election law changes.